Photo: Pacific Towing’s recent ISO certifications – ISO:9001 (Quality), ISO:45001 (OH&S), and ISO:14001 (Environment) – reflect its marine services market leadership in not just PNG but broader Melanesia. Pictured is a PacTow tug and linesboat assisting the berthing of US naval vessel ‘USS Charleston’ for refuelling purposes.
Marine Services company Pacific Towing (PacTow) is celebrating three recent and significant ISO certifications – ISO:9001 (Quality), ISO:45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and ISO:14001 (Environment). The certifications apply to the diverse breadth of services the company provides to clients across multiple industries in both Papua New Guinea and internationally.
The ‘scope’ of PacTow’s ISO certifications is extensive, encompassing towage, mooring, salvage, commercial diving, and life raft services. Although harbour towage is PacTow’s core business, it increasingly provides its other services to PNG’s oil and gas sector, as well as in international waters.
PacTow’s ISO certification process took approximately one year, with certification achieved in early January. General Manager, Neil Papenfus, reports that the process took longer than anticipated due to complexities and delays associated with COVID-19, with most of the auditing being conducted online. He credits his Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment & Quality (HSSEQ) team for PacTow’s successful certification.
Papenfus acknowledges PacTow’s pursuit of ISO certification as “overdue” but notes that the company holds other significant certifications and has implemented numerous initiatives attesting to its quality, safety and environmental credentials. For example, in 2021 PacTow voluntarily undertook and passed its International Safety Management (ISM) Code audit; an audit conducted in accord with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations agency specialising in maritime and shipping affairs. Furthermore, the company’s camp facilities at its dedicated tug base in Port Moresby are Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certified.
PacTow’s quality credentials are underpinned by substantial investments in training programs (in-house and overseas) for all of its seafarers and onshore staff (including two cadetship programs). The company even has its own purpose-built training facilities at its dedicated tug base in Port Moresby.
PacTow also has its own internal Safety Awards program, as well as an innovative program (i.e., ‘Gender Smart Safety’) that specifically improves the workplace health and safety of female employees. Initiatives to reduce its environmental impact include mangrove rejuvenation projects, a new waste management plan, and the decreased use of diesel along with the increased use of solar energy.
“PacTow already enjoyed a reputation for excellence and reliability” said Papenfus “but our ISO certifications give us additional credibility especially from the perspective of new or prospective clients. More important than the marketability of these certifications though is the improvements we’ll enjoy in operational efficiencies which will result in an even better client service experience. Likewise, the refinements we’ve made during the certification process will help us achieve our major HSSE and organisational goal for 2022, which is further reducing our carbon footprint.”
PacTow delivers excellent, reliable, and safe marine services through PNG and the broader Pacific. A well-maintained fleet, as well as a dedicated and exceptionally trained team underpin PacTow’s ongoing expansion and success.
PacTow is part of a larger sea and land logistics group wholly owned by Steamships Limited.
